Waitrose and its sister company, John Lewis, have joined M&S’ call for the government to remove the VAT that applies to period pants.
As part of its efforts to support the cause, the upmarket retailer has followed Tesco and M&S in covering the cost of VAT on its range of more than 30 period underwear products, absorbing the 20% charge.
Waitrose sanitary products buyer, Nicki Baggott, said: “It’s a no-brainer that period underwear should be classed as a period product.
“It’s the right thing to do, and will help our customers save money on everyday essentials.”
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Disposable period products, such as pads and tampons, are not subject to VAT, but under current regulations, period pants are classified as garments and taxed at 20%.
However, M&S’ campaign, which has been ongoing for the past two weeks, recently progressed, as for the first time ever, the government is keeping the tax on period pants under review.
Last week, Sainsbury’s also pledged its support to the ‘Say Pants to the Tax’ campaign and is encouraging other businesses to do the same.
The supermarket giant has promised that any reductions to the VAT on period pants will be directly passed onto customers.
